Which shipping container type do you need?
Use 20GP for many dense or moderate-volume dry loads, 40GP for larger dry loads, and 40HC when additional height and cubic capacity help. Temperature-controlled cargo needs a reefer. Over-height cargo may need an open top; over-width or heavy project cargo may need a flat rack. The carrier must confirm equipment availability and the exact unit specification.
Common container sizes and approximate capacity
| Type | Typical internal dimensions (L × W × H) | Approx. volume | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20GP / 20DV | 5.90 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | About 33 m³ | General dry cargo and many dense loads. |
| 40GP / 40DV | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.39 m | About 67 m³ | Higher-volume dry cargo. |
| 40HC | 12.03 × 2.35 × 2.69 m | About 76 m³ | Voluminous or taller dry cargo. |
| 20 reefer | Varies; less usable space than 20GP | Equipment-specific | Temperature-controlled cargo. |
| 40HC reefer | Varies; insulation reduces internal space | Equipment-specific | Higher-volume temperature-controlled cargo. |
| Open top | Similar base footprint to dry equipment | Equipment-specific | Over-height cargo loaded from above. |
| Flat rack | Platform with end walls; no fixed side walls | Not a cubic-capacity decision | Over-width, heavy or project cargo. |
These figures are indicative planning values, not a loading guarantee. Internal dimensions, door opening, tare, maximum gross mass and payload vary by manufacturer, age and carrier fleet. Obtain the equipment specification for the actual booking.
20GP, 40GP and 40HC explained
20-foot general purpose container
A 20GP is a standard dry box with steel walls, a timber or composite floor and end doors. It is often evaluated for machinery, metal, chemicals in compliant packaging, bagged commodities and other relatively dense cargo. The payload may be reached before the internal space is full, and inland road limits can be more restrictive than the container plate.
40-foot general purpose container
A 40GP roughly doubles the floor length of a 20GP without doubling the permitted cargo weight. It suits lighter, higher-volume cargo such as consumer goods, furniture, textiles and packaged products. Load distribution is critical; concentrated weight can damage the floor or exceed handling limits.
40-foot high-cube container
A 40HC adds approximately 30 cm of external height compared with a standard 40-foot unit and provides extra internal clearance. It can improve pallet stacking or accommodate taller packages, but the cargo must still pass through the door opening. Confirm route restrictions for high-cube movement and delivery-site clearance.
Reefer, open-top, flat-rack and tank equipment
Reefer container
An insulated unit with machinery that controls set temperature. It is designed to maintain conditions, not rapidly cool hot cargo. Correct pre-cooling, ventilation, humidity settings and airflow are essential.
Open-top container
A container with a removable roof cover for top loading. Over-height cargo needs approved securing and may attract out-of-gauge charges.
Flat-rack container
A platform with end frames for heavy, over-width or irregular cargo. Lifting points, centre of gravity, lashing and engineering approval are central to planning.
ISO tank container
A tank within an ISO frame for suitable liquids, gases or powders. Product compatibility, cleaning history, dangerous-goods rules and specialist operation must be verified.
Other equipment
Depending on carrier and route, shippers may encounter ventilated containers, hard-top open tops, platform containers, garment containers and other specialised units. Availability is not uniform across ports, so special equipment should be requested early.
How to read a container number and type code
A container identification normally contains an owner prefix, equipment-category identifier, serial number and check digit. The code should match the physical unit on the booking, gate record, VGM, customs declaration, bill of lading and manifest.
Equipment size/type codes provide a compact classification, but commercial shorthand varies. For example, providers may use 20GP, 20DV or 20DC for a standard 20-foot dry unit. Use the booking confirmation and carrier equipment specification instead of relying only on shorthand.
- Record the container number exactly, without confusing similar letters and digits.
- Match the seal number after stuffing and before dispatch.
- Verify container condition, door operation, cleanliness and suitability before loading.
- Keep photographs of the empty unit, stuffing, securing, seal and closed doors.
- Report damage or contamination before cargo enters the container.
Container selection checklist before booking
List outer package dimensions
Use packed dimensions including pallets, skids, crates, overhang and protective material.
Calculate weight distribution
Check total cargo weight, point loads, centre of gravity and the capacity of floors, forklifts, cranes and trailers.
Check the door, not only the interior
A package may fit inside but fail to pass through the door or loading path.
Identify special conditions
Declare dangerous goods, temperature, humidity, ventilation, odour, leakage, food-grade or contamination requirements.
Verify destination handling
Confirm the consignee can receive, de-stuff and return the equipment within free time.
Obtain carrier approval
Out-of-gauge, overweight, hazardous and special-equipment cargo needs route-specific acceptance before movement.
Container type and size FAQs
What is the difference between 40GP and 40HC?
A 40HC has a similar footprint but additional height and internal volume. Exact dimensions and payload vary by unit.
Can heavy cargo be loaded in a 40-foot container?
Only within payload, road, terminal and weight-distribution limits. Dense cargo is often evaluated for a 20-foot unit, but every load needs calculation.
Does a reefer have the same capacity as a dry container?
No. Insulation, machinery and required airflow reduce usable internal space.
Who confirms the final container specification?
The shipping line or equipment provider confirms the supplied unit. Verify its data and your load plan before stuffing.
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